COMAC C919 passenger jet debuts at Dubai Airshow, eyes global market

China's domestically developed COMAC C919 passenger jet garnered significant attention at the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking its first appearance in the Middle East. The narrow-body aircraft, operated by China Southern Airlines, is actively being showcased by its manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), to potential overseas clients. Its presence at a major international aviation event underscores China's ambition to expand its footprint in the global commercial aviation sector, offering an alternative to established Western manufacturers.

The C919, featuring a distinctive white base coat with blue accents and "oriental grace" themed interiors, has already seen considerable domestic deployment. Since entering commercial service, 26 C919 jetliners have been delivered and are operating on more than 30 flight routes within China, having transported over 2 million passengers. The aircraft is designed to accommodate 158 to 192 passengers and offers a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers, catering to diverse market needs for medium-haul operations.

Industry professionals and consultants expressed keen interest in the C919's potential. Marco Veit, a German visitor, praised its comfortable seats and wider aisle, while Cahaya Rahman, an Indonesian pilot, commended its stable flight display. Sameer Alhashmi, CEO of Arzana Aviation Consultancy in the United Arab Emirates, highlighted the C919's advanced features and its potential to provide local carriers in the Middle East and Africa with a crucial "third option" in the narrow-body market, challenging the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus.

Beyond the C919, the Dubai Airshow also featured other significant Chinese aviation innovations. Aero Engine Corporation of China debuted its most comprehensive overseas exhibition of homegrown aero engines, including the Taihang turbofan and AES100 turbo-shaft engines. The company also showcased the KP16-3D, a 3D-printed turbojet engine ideal for drones. Additionally, United Aircraft presented the Lanying R6000, the world’s first 6-ton-class tiltrotor aircraft, signaling advancements in China's low-altitude economy sector and its potential for heavy-lift scenarios in regions like the Middle East.